James M. Jeffords: “I rise today to praise the managers of the energy and water appropriations bill for their commitment to renewable…”

“I rise today to praise the managers of the energy and water appropriations bill for their commitment to renewable energy. I particularly want to thank Senator Reid for his leadership in bringing additional funding to advance the cause of clean energy in this Nation. Growing problems associated with fossil fuel energy use, including fine particulates and global warming, make it critically important that renewable energy play a much larger part in future energy needs. Each year, the important role renewable energy should play in meeting our future energy needs becomes more apparent. This year 61 Senators joined Senator Bingaman and myself in requesting an increase for renewable energy in this year's budget. I am happy to say that this is seven more Senators than we had last year. I am also happy to say that Chairman Reid and Ranking Member Domenici provided almost $60 million more than last year for renewable energy and $160 million more than was requested by the administration. They recognize the importance of renewable energy and once again demonstrated their strong Senate leadership on this issue. For many years, I have come to this Chamber to offer an amendment on renewable energy. This year is the second year in a row that I come to ask Members to praise--not raise--the renewable energy budget. This is a practice to which I could easily become accustomed to. There is perhaps no better time to push these technologies forward.”